NEWS

Iowa House panel offers change to broadband bill

by KIX101.1 /1230 KFJB News Department,posted Apr 11 2014 10:06AM

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa House lawmakers have released an amendment that addresses the issue of the placement of cell towers.

The House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday gave reporters copies of new language, which members will add to a bill primarily dealing with expansion of broadband and Internet access in rural Iowa. The bill also includes new rules for cell tower siting, which has prompted complaints from local officials who argued it stripped out local control.

The tower siting language reflected a call by cellular companies for uniformity in the application process.

New language includes a timeframe for local governments to respond to requests for the construction or modification of cell towers as well as rules for governments to approve or deny applications.